Obituary of Obidimma Olga Ibimina Okobi

Okobi Obidimma Olga Ibimina “Obi” Age 40, passed away Monday, April 3, 2017, in Baltimore, Maryland. She is the daughter of Dr. Elsie Halliday Okobi, Ph.D of Connecticut, and the late Dr. Anthony Okobi, MD. She is survived by her brothers Chukwunweze “Chukky” Okobi of Pennsylvania, Olisemeka “Emmy” Okobi of New Jersey, and Anthony Okobi, Jr., MD, PhD of North Carolina, her sister Ndidi “Didi” Okobi of California, and her sisters-in-law Natalie Okobi of New Jersey and Ciru Okobi of North Carolina, as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, colleagues, children she worked with and their families, and her Abmy (rescue dog). Obi graduated from Miss Porter’s School (1994), Wesleyan University (BA, Art and Architectural History, 1998), Southern Connecticut State University (MS, Urban Studies, 2001), The Johns Hopkins University (Certification, Elementary Education, 2004), and Harvard University Graduate School of Education (EdM, School Leadership, 2012). She was principal of City Neighbors Hamilton School, Baltimore City Public Schools, Maryland, and had also worked in various capacities with the Prospect Hill Academy Charter School, MA, The Park School of Baltimore, and Waverly Elementary/Middle School, all in Baltimore; and the Hamden Public Schools in Connecticut. Obi was a source of inspiration and joy to the students, teachers, families and colleagues throughout the Baltimore district and Connecticut. She personified the love of learning, commitment to students, and dedication to the principles of equity and justice that are the hallmark of a great educator. Obi was an active member of many organizations and communities, focusing on arts and culture, children, civil rights and social action, education, health, human rights, poverty alleviation, and social services. She served as a mentor, motivational speaker, outreach coordinator, and girl’s lacrosse coach. She was an avid runner, participating in several half-marathons, and was active in sport captaining lacrosse in college and serving as co-captain for lacrosse and field hockey in high school. She was on the board of directors Sheldon Calvary Camp, Conneaut, OH and also on the board of Directors Miss Porter’s School, Farmington, CT. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Friends received at McCabe Bros., Inc. Funeral Home, www.mccabebrothers.com 6214 Walnut Street, Shadyside, on Friday, April 21, 2017 from 4-8 pm. A second visitation will take place on Saturday, April 22, 2017 from 9 am to 10:15 am, followed by a Funeral Service at Calvary Episcopal Church, 315 Shady Avenue, at 11 am. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Obi’s memory to City Neighbors Hamilton School (5609 Sefton Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21214) cityneighborsfoundation.org/donate/ or Sheldon Calvary Camp (4411 Lake Road, Conneaut, OH 44030) https://www.calvarycamp.org/donate/